Councils across Gippsland will be in a better position to upgrade roads and community infrastructure if the Coalition wins the federal election on May 3, as they share in more than $17 million of new funding.
Member for Gippsland and Shadow Minister for Local Government has announced a multi-million dollar commitment to restore funding for the ‘Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program’ (LRCIP) that was abolished by the Albanese Government.
“There are dozens of projects across Gippsland which were funded using the LRCIP funding provided by the former Coalition Government,” Mr Chester said.
“We’ve seen projects like pump tracks, playgrounds, community hall upgrades and road improvements funded by LRCIP.
“But the pipeline of local projects has dried up because the Labor Party doesn’t trust local councils to make decisions on local priorities.
“The Canberra-knows-best attitude has seen councils across Gippsland receive less funding and place more pressure on the cost of living as ratepayers pick up the bill.”
Mr Chester said the $1 billion LRCIP fund across Australia would be allocated to councils on an agreed formula, with rural and regional areas benefiting the most.
In the electorate of Gippsland, it would mean $6.9 million for Wellington Shire, $3.7 million for Latrobe City and $6.5 million for East Gippsland Shire Council.
“Unlike Labor’s obsession with Melbourne’s wasteful big build, which has seen massive cost blowouts and union thuggery, we will be funding local roads and local projects that make a difference in every community,” Mr Chester said.
“The Nationals have a proven track record of delivering in Gippsland and we are committed to getting Australia back on track and re-establishing a genuine partnership with local government by revamping a successful program which was cut by the Albanese Government.”
Mr Chester said the Coalition’s plan marked a clear contrast with the Labor Government’s record of neglecting regional communities and failing to deliver for local councils.
“Before the last election, Labor promised councils they would receive ‘fair increases’ to Financial Assistance Grants, but that promise was broken in every Budget,” Mr Chester said.
“Our revamped LRCIP will continue the essential work of supporting local Councils, creating jobs, and strengthening the resilience of our communities.
“Only the Coalition is willing to partner with local councillors and trust them to achieve the best outcomes while keeping costs down for ratepayers.”
